Andrew Fernung, 35, joined the Ocala Breeders’ Gross sales Firm in November as assistant gross sales coordinator. His household identify attracts respect in Ocala, Fla., as his father, John Fernung, was a famend horseman and instrumental in mentoring a number of members of his household who now work within the trade.
John, who died in 2021 at 79, labored because the racing supervisor and later because the farm supervisor for three-time Eclipse Award-winning proprietor Dan Lasater within the Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties. Later, John would forge a enterprise relationship with outstanding owner-breeder John Franks to type Southland Farm in Ocala.
Deepening the household involvement within the enterprise is Andrew’s aunt and uncle, Crystal and Brent Fernung, of Journeyman Bloodstock.
Andrew, who’s married with two younger kids, involves OBS with 15 years of expertise as a farm coach, first at Journeyman Bloodstock, from 2009-’16, after which with the steady of Eddie and Angela Woods at their coaching heart, till accepting his OBS place.
Fernung’s solutions are edited for readability and house.
BLOODHORSE: At what age did you begin working round horses and at what level did you resolve to pursue a profession within the trade?
ANDREW FERNUNG: I began strolling hots at Traditional Mile [Training Center] on the weekends after I was 12 or 13 years outdated. My dad and mom would drop me off within the morning after which choose me up after coaching. By the point I used to be round 15, I used to be [consumed] with horses 100%. I’d go work with my uncle at Journeyman on all the varsity breaks. All I actually wished to do was to be round a horse.
BLOODHORSE: What are a few of the essential classes you discovered out of your father about horsemanship, in addition to about life?
FERNUNG: Maintain your head down and work laborious. He laid out the inspiration that I wanted to make some extent of surrounding myself with good horsemen.
BLOODHORSE: Earlier than your father’s demise, he was capable of see how far you had come within the trade. How did he really feel in regards to the progress you had made?
FERNUNG: He was glad to see that I used to be doing what I beloved and that I used to be with individuals who weren’t solely good horsemen, however good individuals to be round basically.
BLOODHORSE: How did your work as a farm coach earlier than coming to OBS put together you on your new job?
FERNUNG: Brent and Crystal have been my first full-time job. Once I went to work there, they truthfully simply handed me a pitchfork and mentioned, ‘If you wish to be within the horse trade, that is it. You must get on with it.’
They helped me notice that numerous laborious work goes into working within the Thoroughbred trade. They foaled mares, had stallions, and a coaching division. It was hopping on a regular basis. I used to be foaling mares at evening and going to the coaching barn in the course of the day. They have been all the time supportive of no matter I had happening.
After Journeyman, I went to work for Eddie and Angela Woods. I used to be proud to have labored for them for an prolonged time period.
I keep in mind being at OBS as a child and seeing six or seven horses coming down the horse path-with riders sporting pink and black — I’d name it the red- and-black prepare. I assumed to myself then, ‘I wish to be part of that.’
Working for Eddie is nearly like working for Nick Saban [the former coach] of the College of Alabama soccer crew. It’s a well-oiled machine. All the pieces is so organized and all the time going ahead. Being a part of that meant lots to me.
BLOODHORSE: Why did you resolve to make a swap to a unique aspect of the trade?
FERNUNG: Household. Being an assistant at an enormous farm could be very demanding, and life is totally different when you have got children. I principally grew up at OBS, so studying how issues are accomplished from the within right here is one thing that I wished to do. I’m very grateful for the chance and I’m trying ahead to the long run at OBS.
It was a tough choice, and I thought of it for some time, possibly about six months. I wished to ensure that issues have been OK by Eddie and Angela, principally.
BLOODHORSE: What are your duties at OBS?
FERNUNG: I’ve been serving to [Sales Coordinator] Chad Johnson examine March gross sales entrants [for the 2-year-old auction]. I’ve additionally been working alongside [President] Tom Ventura, [Director of Sales] Tod Wojciechowski, and [IT Coordinator] Jordin Rosser, making ready to get on-line gross sales prepared. I’ve been working with all the crew.
BLOODHORSE: What does the inspection course of entail?
FERNUNG: Mainly, evaluating whether or not the horses are prepared for an early sale, or possibly they want time and would do higher in a sale in a while. The horse will let you already know. You possibly can virtually have a look at a horse and know. Physique kind, the best way they’re constructed, and the best way they transfer. Pedigree performs an element in it.
BLOODHORSE: How has your life modified since becoming a member of OBS?
FERNUNG: Household time [increased] and having the ability to work within the yard. Watching extra horse racing and faculty soccer.
BLOODHORSE: Given your loved ones background within the trade, would you want on your kids to comply with you into the horse enterprise?
FERNUNG: Completely, however schooling first. As soon as horses come up with you, you’ve acquired no shot [to do anything else].
